Hemphill, Texas (May 13, 2021) – A slew of new improvements are being made at Sabine County Hospital and Toledo Bend Family Medicine.  All improvements made to the facility are with the patient in mind, helping with patient comfort, services and satisfaction.

Heating and cooling of the hospital starts the list of upgrades with the addition of new roof top HVAC units, new boiler and chiller in central plant, pusher pumps, new fan coil units throughout the facility and complete HVAC automation for the system throughout the building.  The new HVAC upgrades will make the system more efficient and provide greater comfort to the patients and staff.  Work on the HVAC should be completed early June.  Two patient rooms will also be upgraded over the month of June to isolation rooms that use negative air pressure to help contain airborne disease from spreading to other parts of the hospital, protecting the staff as well as other patients.  A new commercial dishwasher is also being installed to replace the aging dishwasher currently in use.

A new bedside monitoring and telemetry system should be complete by the end of the month and an electronic health record system has just been implemented to improve patient safety and help the staff care for patients in a more efficient manner.  Also, the telemedicine system is being expanded to offer hospitalist services in addition to the Emergency Room service currently in use. Hospitalist services allow providers the opportunity to consult with physicians specially trained in the care of hospitalized patients. 

Radiology just received a new portable x-ray machine, as well as a ‘makeover’ of the department including new flooring and paint. The portable x-ray includes newer technology and allows staff to accommodate patients with low or no mobility.

Improvements to Toledo Bend Family Medicine include a new standby power generator to keep the clinic powered during inclement weather and new automatic sliding doors are being installed for easier patient access.  The generator should be installed by the end of June.

Jerry Howell, the administrator at Sabine County Hospital, is glad to see the needed upgrades, “All of these improvements are centered on patient care and comfort. Items such as the new EHR will allow our staff to provide an even higher level of care than they already do.”  Howell continues, “The new HVAC system will be much appreciated in the hot summer months.”

“Providing the latest technologies and improving the efficiency and safety of our hospitals is always a priority,” says Jared Chanski, Executive Vice President of Preferred Management who manages Sabine County Hospital.  Chanski adds, “We hope these improvements enhance the patient experience and improve the already great care a patient receives at Sabine County Hospital and Toledo Bend Family Medicine.”

Sabine County Hospital and Toledo Bend Family Medicine will remain open during these upgrades and impact on patients should be minimal during this time.